Having an asthma attack is scary and stressful, especially when you know you have to deal with it your whole life. It is entirely possible to enjoy a full, healthy lifestyle though, as long as you understand how to treat your asthma. The tips in the next few paragraphs detail different methods for treating asthma.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you should refrain from smoking or being around any vapors or fumes. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
If you are an asthmatic, it is vital that you never smoke, and if you already do, you should quit as soon as possible. Smoking is bad in general for everyone, but it is particularly worse for asthma suffers because it decreases the amount of oxygen in the lungs, putting you at higher risk for asthma attacks.
What type of asthma are you having to deal with? Understanding the specifics of your asthma will help you to avoid attack triggers in your day-to-day life. Those whose asthma is exacerbated by exercise will know to always have an inhaler on hand. Knowing the patterns of your symptoms will help you avoid crises.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. Asthma triggers will vary greatly between individuals. If you have allergy related asthma, you will want to avoid pollen and dust. Others may need to avoid certain physical activities to keep from suffering an attack. Do your best to understand and figure what exactly triggers your asthma so that you know what you need to avoid.
If your asthma attacks are severe, you may want to speak with your doctor about a long lasting injection of medication to control your symptoms. One antibody medication available is called Omalizumab and can be prescribed by your doctor or allergist.
Smoke Yourself
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. A leukotriene will cause inflammation in the respiratory system, causing an asthma attack. Using an inhibitor will counteract the negative effects of leukotriene, thereby decreasing the occurrence of asthma attacks.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Do not smoke yourself, either! Inhaling the chemical-laden fumes and even the vapors from cigarettes can be extremely harmful. This may cause an asthma attack you can’t stop. If you find that you have people smoking around you, get yourself out of that area rather quickly.
It’s been proven that you should use no more than four cleaning products in the home. If you do it can increase the risk of asthma attacks. Try organic cleaners that are free of irritating chemicals.
Avoid using a fan in any room that has excessive dust. This could trigger an asthma attack because this will move the dust around. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. When you inhale smoke, especially in close quarters, lung functioning is decreased, and it can trigger an attack.
Use the inhaler the right way. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. While inhaling air, spray required dosage in your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. When cleaning your home, try not to use products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach. You should also allow fresh air to thoroughly circulate throughout your home after you’re done cleaning it.
Using more than four different types of cleaning products in your home has been shown to increase the risk of an asthma attack. Choose natural and organic products which don’t have chemicals that will irritate your disease.
Your asthma treatments will likely increase when you suffer from hay fever or a cold. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
If you suffer from asthma and do not smoke, make sure to avoid people who do smoke. Inhaling smoke from tobacco products can compromise your lung function, which then makes you more susceptible to an attack. The risk of an attack from cigarette smoke is increased as the space you are in decreases.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. The feathers can make asthma worse and take away from your ability to breathe. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
There is good reason to make sure you have your rescue medicine for asthma in a convenient, easy to reach place. Traveling tends to put extra stain on the body, and you’re more susceptible to your asthma triggers under these conditions. It is also hard to predict what will come up or to control your environment when you travel, which increases the chances of experiencing more severe symptoms or an attack.
If you suffer from asthma, you need to learn how to cope with it. If you arm yourself with knowledge about your asthma, you can learn to live with it easily. Fortunately, medical science has discovered much regarding asthma, and the information here can get you started towards better management and clearer understanding of this affliction.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.